Let’s talk about coats at this point.  At the end of the winter season, coats need to be freshened and cleaned before they are put up for storage.  Wait until the end of the winter but not when it is too hot.  Coats that are soiled and need to be dry-cleaned can be sent to the cleaners.  Be sure to check the pockets prior to taking them.  Coats that are not soiled can be cleaned at home. First, check all pockets for important items. It is very important that you do this so that you do not lose something of value or that you will need.  I understand that it is a great lift to find money in your pockets later but you can stage that later if you prefer.  Right now it is important that you check pockets for receipts, keys, notes, etc. so that you have these items. For outwear that can be washed in the washing machine, wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then dry them thoroughly and hang up immediately.

Suede items can be cleaned with a pumice stone (the one you use on your feet will do just fine).  Just lightly rub the suede with the stone to liven up any areas where the nap has been worn.  You can also wash many suede clothing pieces in the washer on hand wash.  Dry outdoors and then throw in the dryer for a few minutes to soften the suede. Use a steamer to clean and deodorize the inside lining to make your garment last longer.  Lastly, freshen any pieces outside periodically to keep them looking and smelling fresh.

For coats that are not soiled but just need a light cleaning: Take the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner and vacuum out the coat pockets.  You’ll will get all of that nasty lint out and your coat will feel cleaner when you put it on next year.   Next, use the clothing steamer to steam clean all the coats inside and out. Hopefully, you will choose a sunny, warm day so that you can air out all the coats.  Do not do this on a hot day.  Warm and breezy is perfect.  Leave the coats out for at least a few hours.  The sun has an amazing power to freshen and kill germs.  Now is a good time to check these items for repairs as well.  Coat those buttons with clear nail polish to keep the buttons on longer. Fix any areas that need repair. If your coats are leather, use a good quality leather conditioner to condition the leather.   Once you have cleaned, freshened and are ready to put up your coats, it is time to find a place to store them.  You can keep your coats in your Rainbow Closet so that when you go to dress, you can coordinate your coat to your clothing.  This gives you an all around together look.

If you store your coats in another area, look for a clothing storage bag.  These garment bags are made of a light weight fabric that will allow your coat fibers to breathe and will lengthen the life of your garment.  As with the clothing in the Rainbow Closet, face all of your coats the same way so that it is easier to get them from the closet. Also, heavy-duty hangers will help to keep your coats hanging properly and extend the life of your garments.

Furs

A word about furs.  Furs usually require specialized cleaning but there are some things that you can do that will serve as great in-between cleanings.  Follow the same procedures as the other coat garments.  Check and vacuum out your pockets and steam clean the inside of the coat only. Check for needed repairs and coat any buttons.  Lastly, air out the coats on a warm, but not hot day.  I use a spray conditioner/sheen spray for the furs.  I lightly spray each coat with the sheen spray and then brush the fur until it is beautifully cleaned.  Once the cleaning is done, it is time to store the furs.  I store these in another fabric garment bag and hang in a closet with lots of air circulation.  If you have very expensive furs, then you may want to consider professional storage for these garments.

Insuring furs is important if you have valuable furs. Check your insurance policy to see if you will need an addition to your policy to cover furs. You may want to call your insurance agent to determine what you will need to cover your most expensive furs. Better safe than sorry.